Ukigumo

Alternative Title:
“Japan’s First Modern Novel: Ukigumo of Futabatei Shimei”

Ukigumo, (
Japanese: “The Drifting Clouds”) novel by Futabatei Shimei, published in 1887–89. It was published in three parts, at first under the name of the author’s more-famous friend, Tsubouchi Shōyō. It was published in English as Japan’s First Modern Novel: Ukigumo of Futabatei Shimei. Ukigumo was one of the first attempts to replace classical Japanese literary language and syntax with the modern colloquialidiom.

Utsumi Bunzō, the novel’s antihero protagonist, lives in Tokyo and refuses to compromise the ancient code of behaviour ingrained in him by his samurai background. Although he is likable and decent, he is no match for the ... (100 of 136 words)